Pennsylvania Woodsman - Deep Woods Trees: Mast Crops Implemented with Precision

Sportsmen's Empire - Whitetail Hunting

Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network

Sports, Technology, Wilderness, Leisure, Hobbies

4.8 • 615 Ratings

🗓️ 25 March 2026

⏱️ 60 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman, Mitchell is joined by Tom Damren of Workhorse Trees for a deep dive into planting trees for whitetail habitat — and why most hunters get it wrong. Tom shares how his journey into growing trees started out of frustration after failed plantings, leading him down the path of rootstock selection, disease resistance, and understanding what actually works in a real-world hunting setting. From the importance of seedling rootstock to avoiding common mistakes like planting too many trees or choosing the wrong varieties, this conversation breaks down the fundamentals of building a successful tree program that actually produces results.

The discussion then shifts into a unique and practical strategy: “deep woods planting.” Instead of traditional orchard-style setups, Tom explains how strategically placing a small number of trees in cover can create better daylight movement and more huntable scenarios. The guys also cover species selection, growth expectations, protection from wildlife damage, and how to think about trees not just as a food source, but as a precision tool for attraction. If you’ve ever been frustrated with planting trees or questioned whether they’re worth the effort, this episode offers a fresh perspective that might change how you approach habitat improvement.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Thompson Cigars and use my code SE for a great deal: https://thompsoncigar.com
* Check out Troll Co Clothing and use my code EMPIRE25 for a great deal: https://www.trollco.com/hunting

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This episode of the sportsman's empire is brought to you by Interstate Batteries.
0:04.8	Since 1952, Interstate Batteries has been evoking compassion and a trustworthy spirit into the surrounding communities.
0:12.6	Interstate Batteries is a mission-driven company fueled by purpose and guided by their values.
0:18.2	If you need help locating a specific battery, stop into your local
0:21.2	Interstate Batteries retail store and speak with a battery specialist.
0:25.2	They even offer cell phone repairs.
0:28.6	Interstate batteries outrageously dependable.
0:32.9	You're listening to the Pennsylvania Woodsman, powered by Sportsman's Empire Podcast Network.
0:38.3	This show is driven to provide relatable hunting and outdoor content in the Keystone State and surrounding Northeast.
0:44.4	On this show, you'll hear an array of perspectives from biologists and industry professionals
0:48.6	to average Joe's with a lifetime of knowledge.
0:51.9	All centered around values aiming to be better outdoorsmen and women.
0:55.7	Both in the field as well as home and daily life.
0:59.0	No clicks, no self-interest, just delight in the pursuit of creation.
1:03.9	And now, your host.
1:05.8	The Pride of Pennsylvania, the man who shoot straight and won't steer you wrong.
1:10.0	Johnny Appleseed himself.
1:11.6	Mitchell Schirichael Schirichael Schirke.
1:17.6	Hey everybody, welcome back to another episode of the Pennsylvania Woodsman podcast.
1:22.2	I'm thankful to have you here.
1:23.5	I hope everything's going well for you.
1:25.1	I know that this winter has seemed to drag on drastically, and even though we are technically in spring, it doesn't quite feel like it.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Sportsmen's Empire Outdoor Network and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.